Sometimes I think I’d do well to bind my mouth with duct tape before going out. From blurted inconsideracies to complaints and arguments over trivial things that, when pointed out, reveal more about me than the actual issue.
Why, oh why is the tongue so hard to tame? Or am I the only one eating my feet a good chunk of the time? 
If only I’d remain safely behind my computer with its delete key.
My biggest problem? OJM disease–overactive jaw muscles and a very me-centered brain that likes to believe I have the answer to every question, the solution to every problem, and necessary input for every debate.
The problem with this? Proverbs 10:19 puts it so well: “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut” (NLT).
I suppose it’s a law of averages thing–you spew enough words some of them are bound to be sinful, hurtful, not productive or effective.
So what’s the solution? Invest in duck tape? Hide out in my bedroom? Throw up my hands with the concession that this is who I am?
None of those options progress the gospel, which is a huge problem, me being Christian and all as quite frankly, it is for the sake of the gospel I–and other Christians–are still here. On earth, I mean.
So once again I ask, what’s the solution?
Gritting my teeth and proceeding with the utmost determination won’t solve this, not long-term, anyway, because the moment I relax or get distracted I’ll revert to my old, verbose ways.
The best, the only solution is to continually draw near to God, allowing Him to work in and through me.
Pausing to acknowledge Him while I wash the dishes.
Praying while I fold the clothes.
Singing songs of praise, out loud or internally, while I go about my daily tasks.
Checking negativity and consciously focusing on my Savior and all He’s done instead.
For Christ-like behavior comes not from me but from Him.
Consider David’s words in Psalm 139:4 “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD” (NLT).
In other words, God knows, the moment you sit down to read your Bible each morning, when you’re going to flub it in the day ahead.
And He’s already got a plan in place. More than that, He’s ready and able to communicate that plan, to guide you, your thoughts, and your words to those things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. (Phil. 4:8)
God is true. God is honorable. God is right, pure, lovely, and admirable.
See where I’m going with this?
What’s the solution to a wayward tongue? To fix our eyes–our thoughts and focus–on God, checking in with Him throughout the day, pausing to acknowledge His presence when we’re stopped at a stop light or waiting in a check-out line. Listening to His soft, gentle whisper that guides us throughout the day and continually draws us to Himself, the only place we’ll receive the strength and peace needed to speak words of love, grace, and truth.
Because living the Christian life isn’t about trying harder but rather, drawing closer to our Savior.
Let’s talk about this. What is your greatest struggle? How might checking in with God throughout the day help you in that area? How might centering your thoughts on Him fill your heart with praise and peace?
How much room is there for angst, frustration, or ungodliness in a heart filled–saturated–with praise?
If you enjoyed this post, you might find the following helpful:
Oh, and since my book launch is but a few days away, and since some of you aren’t on Facebook, I thought you might want to know where I’ve been and where I’m going.
Yesterday I chatted with the editor of Family Fiction about my book, where the story came from, and what I hoped y’all would gain from it. You can read the interview here.
On July 4th and 11th, fellow ACFW writer Janet Sketchley interviewed two of my characters from Beyond I Do. You can get to know Ainsley here and Richard here.
On July 7th I chatted about books in general (and my addiction to them) on Writing For the Soul. You can join the discussion here.
On July 28th, I was honored to be on June Foster’s Author Spotlight. You can join me here.
My sweet friend Jennifer Hallmark was interviewed regarding her contributions to Sweet Freedom, the book itself, and her writing journey. You can read about all that here.
Next month, book launch month, I’ll be all over the web, but unfortunately, I’ve run out of time for link posting. 😉
As a fun aside, I recently finished plotting book three in my Midwestern Romance series, two stories that continue where Beyond I Do leaves off. Here’s hoping my publisher loves the plot and premise for books two and three as much as I do! I should also add, with my books release but days away, the pre-release discount will soon be over. So… if you were planning on buying the book, now’s a great time.
Exciting times for you with your novel, Jennifer! And thanks for your honesty in articulating this trouble we all have with our words. You’ve nailed it — we need to keep a close focus on God. There’s a prayer I love from Psalm 141:3 – “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”